The South Carolina House has approved the state’s $14 billion spending plan after nearly 20 hours of debate over two days. The budget passed on a 99-13 vote late Tuesday, with a small group of Republicans, known as the Freedom Caucus, pushing for massive spending cuts without providing specific details. The caucus sought to cut $1 billion from the state’s budget in order to reduce the income tax rate from 6% to 5%.
However, mainstream Republicans and House leadership argued that the budget had been carefully crafted with input from Governor Henry McMaster and various committees. They accused the Freedom Caucus of making campaign speeches rather than focusing on effective governance. The proposed budget includes freezing tuition for in-state students at state universities, a $1,500 raise for teachers, funding for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and increased contributions to state employees’ health insurance premiums.
During the debate, tensions ran high as members exchanged harsh words and accusations, with the Freedom Caucus suggesting drastic cuts to various agencies and programs. Ultimately, all proposed changes by the caucus were voted down, including a symbolic 10-cent cut to the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism budget. House Majority Leader Davey Hiott criticized the caucus, stating that the state deserved better governance.
The budget now moves to the Senate for further review and approval. The intense budget debate in the South Carolina House highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over fiscal policy and government spending priorities.
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